What are the responsibilities and job description for the Paramedic/Firefighter position at City of Tumwater?
General Statement of Duties: Protects life and property through prevention and suppression of fires; performs basic and advanced medical aid activities to reduce morbidity in cases of accidents, acute illness or injury; responds to fire suppression, rescue and emergency medical aid calls on an assigned shift; maintains firefighting equipment, medical apparatus, quarters and grounds.
Supervision: Direct supervision of from a superior and is performed in accordance with well-established procedures, although individuals may exercise independent judgment in emergency situations. Paramedic treatment of persons may be under the direct or indirect supervision of a physician. Supervision is not normally a function of this classification, although incumbents may supervise emergency medial technicians.
PARAMEDIC DUTIES:
- Attends classes and in-service training to maintain paramedic skills; completes monthly skills monitoring by working in hospital emergency and operating rooms; prepares for and takes bi-annual recertification examinations.
- Maintains, cleans and restocks medical van and equipment.
- Instructs or assists in the instruction of classes for the general public and local schools on topics such as CPR, first aid and emergency medical treatment operations.
- Responds to alarms as a member of the medic unit team and performs fire scene rescue or patient extrication as necessary; performs a thorough physical exam and/or elicits the patient's medical history.
- Operates under written standing orders from a physician, initiates basic and advanced life support in cases of cardiac arrest, acute respiratory insufficiency, status seizure, diabetic emergency, drug overdose, obstetrical emergency, shock or any life-threatening emergency warranting emergency medical intervention; works with paramedic partner to formulate a plan of treatment and execute treatment.
- Consults via telephone with the physician in emergency medical situations where specific judgment calls or situations go beyond the scope of the standing orders.
- Responds to alarms as an emergency medical van driver; transports patient to hospital.
- Completes accurate patient reports for use by the hospital emergency department staff; presents patients to the hospital staff and may assist with or continue patient care when department staff is exceeded by patient load.
FIREFIGHTER DUTIES:
- Responds to alarms as a member of an engine company; lays and connects hose and nozzles and directs water streams; uses a variety of equipment in extinguishing fires; maintains radio contact with communications center at fire station.
- Ventilates burning structures; performs salvage operations such as placing salvage covers and removing water and debris.
- Complete accurate reports of all emergency incidents during assigned shift.
- Participates in inspections of building and other structures as a part of the fire prevention program.
- Performs general maintenance work to fire department buildings, grounds and equipment; cleans and washes walls, floors and windows; cleans, polishes and test equipment and other related tasks to assure that the facilities are presentable tot he public and that fire suppression equipment and apparatus is in a constant state of readiness.
- Performs other duties as required.
Knowledge: Knowledge of modern methods, principles, techniques and practices of emergency medical treatment; knowledge of safety regulations in Chapters 296-305 WAC and departmental rules/regulations and policies and practices applied to fire suppression, fire prevention, fire safety inspection, natural or man-made disasters and other related fire science fields; knowledge of 2-way radio use in conformance with FCC rules and regulations; knowledge of salvage and overhaul operations and methods; knowledge of the ordinances and regulations involving emergency vehicle operations; knowledge of pharmacology of all drugs carried in Medic One vans; knowledge of medical terminology; basic knowledge of fire hazards relating to different types of building materials, including electrical systems and chemical properties of building materials.
Abilities: Ability to use, operate and maintain emergency medical equipment, including emergency vehicles, MAST pants, cardiac monitors, pacemakers and defibrulators; ability to perform life-saving techniques such as intracardiac injections, indotracheal intubations or cricothyroidotomies and intravenous therapy; ability to administer correct dosages and types of drugs; ability to use, operate and maintain firefighting equipment and tools, including ladders, hose, heavy-duty and portable fire apparatus; to think clearly, to reason and reach quickly and calmly in hazardous and potentially life-threatening situations; to perform hazardous tasks requiring strenuous physical exertion for extended periods of time in cramped surroundings, and hot smokey environments with limited visibility and at times at considerable heights; to memorize the geography, street, hydrants and building locations in the City of Tumwater as well as individual characteristics of building, including construction, hazards and built-in protection devices; to read and interpret maps, plans and diagrams of floor plans; to recall facts and conditions observed while under severe physical and/or emotional stress; to complete an Emergency Medical Technician course and to apply knowledge and skills gained; to use tact, understanding and judgment in dealing with the public in fire suppression, prevention ad medical aid situations; to understand and follow oral and written instructions; to maintain harmonious working relationships with supervisors and co-workers.
Minimum Qualifications: Must be certified as a Paramedic by the State of Washington and the Thurston County Medic One Coordinator. Must be able to pass, or have medical transcripts which demonstrate successful completion of a LEOFF II medical examination, or any other standard physical examination as may be required by the City of Tumwater or the State of Washington. Must be able to meet the requirement of the Rules and Regulations of the Tumwater Civil Service Commission, which may encompass requirements regarding minimum age, education, physical strength and agility or other job-related qualifications.
Preferred Qualifications: One year of experience as an ambulance or municipal fire department Paramedic.
Special Requirements: A valid Washington State driver's license may be required. Must be able to maintain the level of knowledge, skill and ability necessary to qualify for the Paramedic recertification examination as required by Washington State RWC 18.71.005 and WAC 248-15.
Salary : $7,985 - $10,888
